Four years ago he bailed out the city’s automotive industry, and a whole lot of union votes. Moments ago, Obama was just called in again, this time to bail out the entire city. “Representative Chaka Fattah (D-PA), a leader of the Congressional Urban Caucus, sent a letter to President Obama today calling on the Administration to lend a helping hand to Detroit, Michigan following the news that the city has filed for bankruptcy.” So will the president play favorites? Or will the municipal bailout begin where the private sector bailout ended? And since bailouts tend to be contagious, if and when Obama does “lend a helping hand” to Detroit, paid for by all US taxpayers, which city, or rather cities, will demand the same treatment? And how long until other people’s money finally runs out?

Congressman Fattah asks the President to act immediately to help the City of Detroit.

Representative Chaka Fattah (D-PA), a leader of the Congressional Urban Caucus, sent a letter to President Obama today calling on the Administration to lend a helping hand to Detroit, Michigan following the news that the city has filed for bankruptcy.

In the correspondence, Fattah requests the Administration intercede to make certain that Detroit’s future is secure and hopeful. He asks the President to bring together members of his cabinet and members of the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities to work together to analyze Detroit’s fiscal situation and intervene on the city’s behalf.

Fattah said in his letter, “I understand the important role cities play in the economic vitality of metropolitan regions and our nation as a whole. Our cities serve as economic engines leading to innovations, job creation and growth. Moreover, cities like Detroit are strategically aligned, within their respective regions, to attract economic opportunities for their surrounding areas. As such, we must do all we can to protect these cities and work toward their prosperity.”

Fattah stands ready to work with John Conyers and the rest of the Michigan delegation on this important issue.